140 year of Shriners

Friday, October 31, 2008

By Ag WeeklyCourtesy photoGlanbia Foods representatives (standing behind check) from left, Shawn Athay, vice president of human resources and organizational development, and Peggy Watland, executive and public relations administrator, present a $35,000 check to Board of Governor representatives of Shriners Hospital for Children in Salt Lake City.

TWIN FALLS, Idaho - Representatives from Glanbia Foods, presented a check for $35,000 to Shriners Hospitals for Children - Salt Lake City during a recent Shriners Board of Governors meeting. The money will be used to make much-needed improvements to the hospital’s parent lounge and laundry room, making them more comfortable and functional.

Glanbia employees overwhelmingly selected Shriners Hospitals for Children as their charity of choice. The company plans to make a similar donation in 2009 to renovate the hospital’s four parent suites.

Glanbia Foods, the nation’s largest American-style cheese manufacturer and one of the largest whey ingredient producers with operations in Twin Falls, Gooding and Richfield. Glanbia employees over 600 people in southern Idaho.

CARLSBAD,MN — The Eddy County Shriners will kick off their annual paper drive today (Oct. 31) to raise funds for the children's hospitals around the country. Collections will be taken at various places including Wal-Mart, Sutherlands, La Tienda and the post office. One hundred percent of all contributions go directly to Shrine hospitals.

"The kids I hang out with here are so amazed with what I'm doing. And I'm like, 'You guys don't understand. These doctors don't determine what you do. They can just tell you what they expect.' "LaQuan Phillips, Green Valley senior who was paralyzed during a football gamePhotos by K.M. Cannon.

LaQuan Phillips, a Green Valley High School senior football player paralyzed Sept. 5 during a game against Centennial High School, tries to adjust his bed using his elbow during rehabilitation Oct. 22 at Shriners Hospital for Children in Sacramento, Calif.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- From his wheelchair in the family library at Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, LaQuan Phillips related his struggle to a poem by his favorite author, Langston Hughes.

The poem, "A Dream Deferred," begins with a question: "What happens to a dream deferred?"It's the same question 17-year-old Phillips, a Green Valley High School senior football player, has pondered for the past eight weeks.

Phillips, who was a starting weak side linebacker for the Gators, dreamed of playing against Basic High School as a senior in tonight's annual Henderson Bowl.

But Phillips lost that chance on Sept. 5, when a collision in a game against Centennial left him with multiple spinal cord injuries that have led to partial paralysis.

"What happened to that dream you didn't get?" Phillips asked. "Did it crumble, or is it still there? Pretty much, my dream was to rush back and play against Basic. It was deferred."

Phillips successfully underwent surgery on Sept. 7 at Sunrise Hospital to alleviate swelling on his vertebrae.

But he remains with a bruised spinal cord that has bled, said Craig McDonald, medical director of Shriners' spinal cord injury program.

The injury's seriousness is compounded because Phillips was born with a rare "general narrowing" of the spinal column, McDonald said.

When Phillips was struck in the upper back by an opposing player's helmet, compression occurred throughout his neck at the same time it was flexing.

The discs between his C3 and C4 bones protruded backward into his spinal cord, which then began to bleed, McDonald said.

Though he has regained at least partial movement in all of his limbs, Phillips must be helped in and out of a wheelchair and could still be weeks away from safely trying to take steps, McDonald said.

Since moving Sept. 16 to Shriners, where he receives donation-paid treatment, Phillips has reluctantly "accepted" that he will never play high school football again.

However, he unwaveringly asserts he will walk again and hopes to somehow participate in college athletics.

Though Shriners' medical personnel remain uncertain if it is possible for Phillips to fully recover, so far he has exceeded expectations.

Phillips has even been well enough to go along with fellow patients to a Sacramento Kings preseason game, a movie and a mall.

"The kids I hang out with here are so amazed with what I'm doing," Phillips said. "And I'm like, 'You guys don't understand. These doctors don't determine what you do. They can just tell you what they expect.' "

McDonald and Phillips' occupational therapy assistant, LaTanya Burnett, agreed it could take 12 to 18 months for Phillips to know exactly how much he will ever recover.

"He's definitely sustained some damage to the nerve elements within the spinal cord," McDonald said. "Some of that damage may well be permanent, but he's likely to get substantial recovery."

Some substantial recovery already has taken place within the halls of the seven-story Shriners facility.

About 9 a.m. on Oct. 22, Phillips began his day with what Burnett called the "therapy task" of feeding himself breakfast.

Using his right elbow like a hand, Phillips finished a plate of eggs with little assistance.

For the first time, "he didn't have half the plate in his lap," Burnett said.

Phillips then sat up in bed and put on a shirt with "Gators" emblazoned on the front, biting on the collar for leverage as Burnett pulled it around his torso.

By 9:45 a.m., Phillips had made his way to the therapy room.

In an exercise designed to increase sitting balance, selective motor control and activation of paralyzed muscle groups, two therapists threw a beach ball toward Phillips' head, which he then deflected like a header in soccer.

"From football to fútbol," Phillips joked.

About 10:15 a.m., Phillips moved to the outdoor playground area, where he was able for the first time to scoop a ball from the ground using only his left hand.

In the family library a half-hour later, Phillips' mind wandered to his teammates, whom he avidly follows online and over the phone.

"How about Nolan, our kicker?" he asked with a grin, referring to Gators kicker Nolan Kohorst, who has hit four 50-yard field goals this season.

Phillips beamed while discussing Green Valley's 6-2 start.

"They've been in a deep fight without me, and they've been fighting for me," he said. "It's like an army; you don't leave a man behind. And even though I'm not with them, they're not leaving me behind."

At 11:40 a.m., Phillips sat down to lunch in the "teen room," where he and three patients between the ages of 15 and 20 discussed everything from career goals to stem cell research to whose wheelchair was the fastest.

School started for Phillips at 1 p.m. Reading from an American government textbook, he chatted about the Constitution with teacher Barbara Brooks.

Later, Phillips used a "typing stick" attached to his left hand to operate a computer.

Phillips already has passed the proficiency exams necessary to graduate, and expects to walk with his senior class in June. He plans on going to college to pursue a career in physical therapy or sports medicine.

"Coming here, seeing what they do for teenagers like us, that just made me love it more," Phillips said.

At 2:30 p.m., Phillips began the most grueling part of his day -- a second round of therapy in which he pushed a manual wheelchair down a hallway and back, and underwent electroshock treatment.

After making it from one end of the hallway to the other in 5 minutes, 40 seconds, Phillips' right leg began to spasm before Burnett gently set it back in place.

Later, Phillips received electroshock treatment on his right arm while flexing.

The therapy is often too hard to watch for Phillips' aunt and legal guardian, Delphine Lakes, who has raised Phillips since 2000 when his mother, LaJuana, died of breast cancer at age 37.

"To actually hold a pen in his hand and write his name is very difficult right now," Lakes said. "Those are the times when I want to step in, and we battle.

"He'll say, 'I can do it, auntie. Move, auntie.' And I have to understand that he's not attacking me. It's him trying to be able to hold his own."

Phillips' release date from Shriners is tentatively set for Nov. 14, but he probably will receive an extension, Lakes said.

Gifts and keepsakes from well-wishers are sprinkled throughout Phillips' room.

Among the treasured items: a quilt made by Melinda Rather, the mother of Green Valley linebacker Brett Rather, with a depiction of Phillips' No. 3 jersey; a poster-sized card signed by the senior class at Shadow Hills Baptist Church, comprised of students from Arbor View, Centennial, Cheyenne, Cimarron-Memorial, Palo Verde and The Meadows; and a collage of photos on the front page of Green Valley's campus newspaper, The InvestiGator.

Even Carolina Panthers linebacker Adam Seward, who is a former UNLV and Bonanza star, has reached out to see how he can help, Phillips said.

"We've always been glad to say that we came from Las Vegas, but this brought it a little closer to home," Lakes said.

Phillips said it is still "shocking" to have people call him an inspiration.

"I was talking with my aunt and I said, 'You know, I might have stopped somebody from committing suicide,' " he said.

"Just somebody saying, 'Man, that kid's going through a lot, but he's happy about it. He's got a beautiful outlook.'

"I've always felt if I could talk to somebody ready to commit suicide, I'd try my hardest to stop them. So thinking that maybe I did it through what I'm doing, it makes me feel great. It makes me feel like I'm achieving a little bit over who I am, and that's a great feeling."

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

In the spirit of the holiday season, we bring to you the first annual Shriners Toy Run.

Shriners Hospitals help children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, cleft lip and palate..They provide specialty pediatric care to thousands of kids each year. And they do it all free of charge.

Shriners is not funded by government programs. The hospital runs off of the generosity of kind people.Every year the hospital gives away thousands of toys to patients, to make the visit a bit easier on them. I have witnessed the eyes ofmany a child light up when they see a new toy or stuffy to play with. It's really a great thing.

OUR GOAL: To gather as many toys/gifts together as we can before mid-December.On the 20th, we will convoy up to the hospital and deliver the goods.Afterwords, we will continue the convoy to the PIR, and take in the winter wonderland light display. PIR charges $15.00 per car load...but I may be ableto get a lower group rates. Also..there is room to park..if people want to save a bit of cash by carpooling through the display. More info on group ratesto come.

Here is a list of items that Shriners uses *a lot* of. But any unwrapped, new toy donations are gratefully accepted. http://www.aliens300.com/needs.docITINERARY--We will be meeting across the street from 2820 Sam Jackson Parkway at 1:20pm. The meeting/staging area is across from the Shell Station.It is a parking lot that is used for overflow at the bottom of the hill. I have been in contact with the head parking supervisor, and he thinks there willbe no problems with us using it.After we all show up..we will convoy up the hill, and into the parking garage.We will deliver the toys, take a walk about through the hospital, and watch a short video about what they do for the kids.

After that, we cruise to the raceway Unless of course anyone would like to stop for pie and hot chocolate on the way...yummm.If anyone has any questions please contact me. If anything changes on this end..I will let you know If you thought you were goingto be able to attend, but something comes up, please let me know asap, so we can properly gauge the number of cars that will be inthe lot/garage.I sure do appreciate it, folks. This is such a cool project. *gleee*

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Since 1947, the best of the best of Montana's graduating high school football athletes have battled for bragging rights at Memorial Stadium in Great Falls during the East-West Shrine Game.

Next July, however, the matchup will move to Butte.

"I can't believe we've lost this game," said John Hayes, a member of the Shrine football game board. "It blows my mind. It's really a matter of pride for the community."

The nine-member Shrine Game Board met in Great Falls on Saturday and awarded the game to Butte.

Proceeds from the game benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children, which provide free pediatric care for orthopedics, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lips and palates.

Over the past 61 years, the event has raised more than $1 million for the Shriners hospital in Spokane, organizers say.

"We knew there was a chance that Billings and Butte could try to get the game this year," said Bill Vischer, manager of the Great Falls Shrine Club. "We feel really badly about it."

Hayes said attendance at the all-star football game has waned.

"Over the past 10 to 15 years, only half the stadium has been full," he said. "In the past, the game would fill both sides of Memorial Stadium, and there were fans seated at both end zones. There would be 7,000 people there."

Mark Schulte served for 14 years on the committee that selected players for the annual Shrine game. His family also holds a record for the most immediate family members who have played in the game. His father played in the first game, and Schulte played in 1974. Two of his brothers have played, as well as two of his sons.

"The game is really important to us," said Schulte, who was born and raised in Butte and now lives in Great Falls.

"I'm all for tradition," he said, but the game hasn't had the involvement in Great Falls that it deserves.

"I think it deserves the attention that it hasn't been receiving," he said. "If moving it creates that new spark in it, I think it has to happen."

In September, the former chairman of the East-West Shrine Football Game, Jerrold Evans, was arrested on charges of embezzling $55,000 from the charity event. He's been charged with three counts of felony theft and will be arraigned in district court Oct. 30.

East-West Shrine Game Board member Sean Johnson of Butte said that case had nothing to do with the Bagdad Shrine Temple of Butte's decision to bid on the event.

"We started talking about going after this nine or 10 months ago," said Johnson, who joined the board five or six years ago. "We noticed attendance has been dropping and the checks we are sending to the hospitals are smaller."

Hayes said that the Great Falls community had become complacent about hosting the game.

"The community needs to recognize the ongoing events that come to Great Falls and not forget to support them," Hayes said. "Economically, sure, this is a slap in the face, but it's also a prestige thing. This game started in Great Falls, and now we've lost it. Everyone in Great Falls would have backed the game — they just needed to be woke up and asked."

Great Falls hoteliers will feel that economic slap in the face.

Hotels usually sell out for the Shrine game, said Sandra Johnson-Thares, owner of the O'Haire Motor Inn and director of the Great Falls Area Lodging Association.

"That's a true shame that we have lost that game," Johnson-Thares said.

Shrine organizations from all over the state come for the game and typically stay in the same motel year after year.

Each year the Black Horse Patrol and a band, both from Billings, stayed at the O'Haire, as well as a group from Columbia Falls.

Butte's Shriners' presentation included a $25,000 corporate sponsorship, although Johnson did not disclose who the corporate sponsor is.

"We also have support from our Chamber of Commerce, who have been doing back flips since the announcement was made that the game is moving to Butte," Johnson said. "The business owners we've talked to are pretty excited about it too."

Johnson, who coached in the 2000 East-West Shrine Game, said the Butte temple has younger members who are ready to put in the volunteer efforts needed to re-energize the event.

"We've been brainstorming for quite a while," he said. "We want to focus on elevating the game day atmosphere and experience. Ultimately our goal is to do something similar to what the University of Montana-Missoula does on their football game days. Their venue is a whole heck of a lot bigger, but we can incorporate some of their ideas and make it a great event."

"They'll do a great job of supporting it, there's no question about that," Hayes said of the Butte Shriners and the Butte community.

"The guys who were pushing for it in Butte were so aggressive," Schulte said.

Johnson-Thares and a group of other Great Falls hotel owners are working to establish a Tourism Business Improvement District that could generate about $372,000 annually by charging a $1 local assessment attached to lodging fees. That money could be used to recruit events such as high school sports tournaments. It could also be used to entice the Shrine game back to Great Falls, Johnson-Thares said.

It's an honor to be selected for the Shrine game, and if the game goes downhill, it will lose that honor, Schulte said.

Johnson agreed and said in the past several years, some athletes invited to play have declined.

"It's tough to say why. There is the Mon- game now, and with two high school all-star games, one may suffer," Johnson said. "Our feeling is that we want the Shrine game to be the premier all-star football game in the state."

Schulte added that ultimately, a successful Shrine game means bigger donations for the Shrine hospital, which is the purpose of the event.

Asked to share stories he's heard from kids who have received care at Shriners Hospitals, Hayes became choked up.

"I can never talk about it because it's enough to make a grown man cry," he said. "I've been an admirer of the Shriners since I was a little kid watching parades with their little cars. Who isn't? Now I'm a clown, and you walk down the street and see a little kid holding a sign that says 'I'm a Shrine patient.'

I just returned from Lake Havasu City in western Arizona. I had the pleasure of leading the 2008 fall class of Shriner Candidates on their mile long parade through town, and then Piping for the Arch Degree in that evening’s ceremonial. It gave me pause to think of just how blessed most of us are, not just for our own health, but for the health of our children and grand children.

All day on the way up and then again the morning of the parade I was totally focused on performing for the Shrine. However, as I watched and participated in the Arch Degree, which is a celebration of the great work done by the Shrine hospitals, I realized what larger blessings life gives most of us. MikeCheck out Miks blog at mcgeesplace.blogspot.com

Monday, October 27, 2008

KIE RELYEA; The Bellingham Herald October 27th, 2008 BELLINGHAM,OR. – Fifteen-year-old Jordy Erazo Cordero was 6 inches taller when he returned home to Ecuador after two months in Bellingham.

The growth came thanks to the two new legs made for him by Tom Broselle, a prosthetist in Bellingham.

Cordero was born without shinbones, a rare condition known as tibial hemimelia that also affected the growth of his hands. An older uncle also has the disorder.

When Cordero was 8, Helping the Children brought him to Shriners Hospitals for Children-Portland Research Center in Oregon, where his legs were amputated above the knees so he could be fitted for artificial limbs.

Helping the Children is a nonprofit that provides medical care to children around the world.

The operation also removed the remnants of Cordero’s feet, which were at his knees.

At 10, he returned to Portland to replace his first set of prostheses, which he had outgrown.

Five years later, he came to Bellingham for the same reason, bringing with him the artificial legs that were worn out and held together in places with tape.

“They weren’t comfortable at all and really small. I got really tired walking,” Cordero said through translator Bobbie DeBoard.

While in Whatcom County, the boy stayed with DeBoard and her husband, Tedd Judd. Healing the Children asked the couple, both of whom have worked in Latin America and speak Spanish, to house him while he was here and being fitted for his new legs.

Broselle remembers seeing the old, beat-up limbs. The boy didn’t want him to touch them at first, fearing they would fall apart. Broselle also recalled what Cordero looked like in them.

“His legs had doubled in size and in length, so he was kind of jamming his legs in them, making them work,” Broselle explained.

There will be no more making do, thanks to the legs Broselle created, with his new “feet” donated by manufacturer Otto Bock. The donated legs, including labor, are worth $29,349.

Cordero lives in Ecuador’s largest city, Guayaquil, which has more than 2 million residents. Despite the city’s large size, its health care providers don’t have the medical know-how to create prostheses of the sort made by Broselle, the boy explained.

A few days before returning to Ecuador last week, Cordero pulled up blue jeans over his new aluminum shins and robotic-looking, titanium knees. He looked at the size 9 shoes that cover the carbon-fiber feet.

Above the shins are the carbon-fiber sockets that hold his thighs. The whole prosthesis is held in place with a wide elastic belt that goes around his waist and his hips.

He smiled.

“You know when something is working because he has this huge smile,” Broselle said.

For Cordero, the new legs will allow him to “be stronger.” His feet will reach the floor now. He’ll be able to “get out and do new things.”

Out of them, the top of his head reaches DeBoard’s waistline. In them, they stand eye to eye.

Family: He is married to Bobbi Herrinton; they have two children, Tom Herrinton and Lynne Herrinton, and five grandchildren.

Why should we know him? Herrinton has been a member of the Rotary Club of Fresno for 32 years; he is a past president and current treasurer. He also is a member of the Tehran Shriners, where he is the business manager and a past potentate. He spent 11 years on the Board of the Northern California Shrine Hospital for Children and says it was rewarding "knowing all the good work done."

"I believe that it is important that each of us give back to the community that has been so good to us," he says."

He is a past president and treasurer of the Sequoia Council of Boy Scouts. He is a past board member of both the Salvation Army and United Way of Fresno County. He also is active with the Fresno Metropolitan Museum, Fresno Philharmonic Association and Fresno Art Museum.

What are some organizations he belongs to? Fresno Lodge F.A.&M, Sunnyside Country Club, First Presbyterian Church

What are his hobbies? Golf, spending time with his family, traveling

What would he like to share with others? "I believe that you should not ask someone to do something you are not willing to do yourself," he says. He also says, "I don't care who gets the credit for something as long as I believe the right action has been taken."

Timothy Karagounis has been appointed manager of diagnostic imaging at Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California. He brings more than 10 years experience to the position. Previously, he was the diagnostic imaging supervisor at Lodi Memorial Hospital.

We'd applied to Shriners Childrens Hospital for Wuzzle. (She was born with Amniotic Band Syndrome affecting her left hand. ) It was really sort of a shot in the dark; but since I was such a part of Job's Daughters growing up, I figured I'd give it a try. The surgeon we saw locally was a jerk, and didn't really tell us much.

Well, today they called us!! And they let us know that Wuzzle was accepted!!! *Gigantic Happy Dance*

January 12 we have our first appointment there. We don't know if surgery is even an option; but we're really hoping they can do something to give her some function in her left thumb. (She has no fingers, and half a thumb.)

Friday, October 24, 2008

Participants at Shriner's 80th year birthday party decorate the cake. The hospital will celebrate its 85th birthday on Saturday, November 8.Shriners to celebrate 85 years of service

Shriners Hospitals for Children - Honolulu, the only pediatric orthopaedic facility in Hawaii that provides care at no charge to children and their families, will celebrate its 85th year of service with a birthday party on Saturday, November 8, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at its Punahou Street location.

As part of the celebration, Shriners will be holding a free screening clinic for new patients. Children under 18 years old who have an orthopaedic (bones, joints & muscles) condition that the hospital can treat may be eligible for care at Shriners Hospital. To schedule a convenient screening appointment on November 8, please call 951-3620.

The birthday party will also include games, refreshments and information booths by various organizations that serve children with orthopaedic conditions. These organizations include AccesSurf, Hawaii Island Medical, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Lupus Foundation of Hawaii, National Safety and Mobility. The National Oceanis and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will also offer a wide array of educational marine activities.

For more information about the 85th birthday party, please call 951-3646.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

A family photo of Michael Rountree on his Tobiano Paint Horse "Choctaw."

Two horses shot dead in their corral in rural LivermoreSophia Kazmi, Valley Times

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY — Choctaw was a beautiful Tobiano paint that helped children and was seen by millions around the world in the Rose Parade.

Lucky was living the good life, also helping special needs children after the "bag of bones" was rescued by the Rountree family earlier this year.

The lives of both horses ended sometime between Tuesday night and 7:30 a.m. Wednesday morning when their bodies were found on their pasture near Collier Canyon Road in rural Livermore.

Someone had shot the horses to death with a .22 caliber weapon, said Marianne Rountree, who owns the horses with her husband Mike.

Choctaw was shot in the heart, and was, found slumped over in the pasture near the street. Lucky was shot twice in the belly and might have been running toward the stables when he died.

Based on the weapon used, the family says the pair probably died slow deaths. The horses were fine when the Rountrees last saw them about 8 p.m. Tuesday.

"It's beyond belief," said their son Greg. "I don't think people realize horses are family. We care for them. We talk to them."

The Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office is investigating the shootings as an animal cruelty case, said spokesman Jimmy Lee. Investigators don't have a motive, but a rancher's cow was found also shot dead nearby on Wednesday morning.

The Rountree family is offering a $5,000 reward for information on who was responsible for the death of their horses.

Rountree has lived her whole life around her horses. She grew up in West Texas where her father owned hundreds of acres of land.

"I've never seen anything like this," she said.

Choctaw was the lead horse in the Shriners' mounted patrol unit and had been in several parades, including the Rose Parade. The horses had also appeared in many local parades. Lucky had been rescued in February from a Martinez shelter.

Marianne Rountree said it was difficult to say what the horses were worth.

"It's hard to put a dollar value on (them) because they were never for sale," she said, adding that she and her husband would not have thought of parting with Choctaw for less than $15,000.

Choctaw, Lucky and the Rountrees' four other horses participated in a lot of children's charity work. The horses visit children at Shriners hospitals and work with Hoofprints on the Heart in Livermore, a group that provides therapeutic riding lessons to special needs children.

"That's their life's work, being good to children," Marianne Rountree said.

The Sheriff's Office asks anyone with information to call 925-646-2441.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

CARLSBAD, NM.— Beginning Friday, Oct. 31, the Eddy County Shriners will kick off their annual paper drive. The paper drive, which has been held annually in Carlsbad for the past 35 years, helps fund the children's hospitals around the U.S.A.Eddy County alone has five children who are actively involved in the care that the Shrine Hospitals provide and there are at least 19 other children who are in the system to be treated for various ailments.Shriners in the Carlsbad club are made up of all age groups and all kinds of professions. They all come together on their own time, sometimes at great expense out of their own pockets to help the kids of Eddy County get medical help at no cost to their families.Each of the 22 Shriners Hospitals has a three-part purpose: providing medical care, conducting research and training medical personnel.All medical treatment and services at Shriners Hospitals are provided in a positive, compassionate environment. While medical care is expected to alleviate or improve patients'physical problems, looking after their overall well-being is just as critical. At Shriners Hospitals, concerned doctors, attentive nurses and encouraging therapists meet each child and spend as much time with them as needed. Many patients have referred to Shriners Hospitals as their second home.A little known fact is that the Shriners Hospitals have been treating victims of the 2004 tsunami and hurricanes Katrina, Hanna and Ike.So when a Shriner approaches you this month for a donation, whether in front of Wal-Mart, Sutherlands, La Tienda, the Post Office or your place of business, please give. Your donation benefits more children than you know.One hundred percent of all contributions go directly to Shrine Hospitals.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Shriners Hospitals for Children – Los Angeles is Represented at the 2008 American Academy of Pediatrics National Convention

By Steve Brand, Los Angeles, CA – October 16, 2008 – At the October 2008 National Convention of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) held in Boston, three research papers were presented from SHC-LA. In addition, hospital Assistant Chief of Staff and orthopaedic surgeon Norman Otsuka, M.D. presented, “Tenodesis of the Tibialis Anterior Tendon to the Plantar Fascia: An Effective and Permanent Anchor for Tendon Transfer” during the general orthopaedics section of the conference. SHC-LA orthopaedic Resident Edward Tang, M.D. was part of a team that presented a paper titled, “Pediatric Obesity and Surgical Outcomes with External Fixators.” Another presentation was made by SHC-LA orthopaedic resident Payam Moazzaz, M.D. and hospital physical therapist Chris Caron titled, “Assessing Community Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy: Correlations Between the Gross Motor Function Classification System and School Function Assessment.” Former Resident J.R. Zemanovic, M.D. teamed with UCLA medical student and SHC-LA researcher Cherie Cross to win 3rd prize for their work titled, “An Investigation of Body Fat Percentage and Ambulatory Status in Pediatric Myelodysplasia Patients.” This was presented at the neuromuscular and spine scientific section of the conference.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and its member pediatricians dedicate their efforts and resources to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. Shriners Hospitals for Children, in collaboration with the AAP, has undertaken a nationwide plan to enhance their current communication practices to improve collaboration between primary and specialty care physicians. The aim of this project is to improve the process of communication so that patients with severe injuries receive efficient, coordinated health care.

Last Monday, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a recommendation that all children, from newborns to teenagers, should be getting double the amount of vitamin D that it previously recommended, because of mounting evidence that it may help prevent serious diseases.

Doctors have become alarmed at how many children, and adults, have low levels of vitamin D. Until recently, levels had not been routinely checked.

Dr. Lynnette Mazur is a professor of pediatrics at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, and chief of pediatrics at Houston's Shriners Hospital for Children. She was "dumbfounded," she told the Chronicle, to find out that many of the children she treated had low levels of the vitamin. Now, she routinely tests for vitamin D levels.

The AAP decision follows a flood of recent research that has attributed a wide variety of health benefits to the vitamin, leading the American Medical Association last summer to call for the government to update its guidelines. Many physicians consider the findings persuasive enough that they are now offering patients routine vitamin D testing.

New research suggests that in children vitamin D can bolster the immune system and help protect against cancer and diabetes. In adults, it was observed that men with low levels of the vitamin are more likely to have heart attacks. Women with breast cancer and colon cancer victims of both sexes are less likely to survive with low levels of vitamin D.

Another study, the first to assess vitamin D levels and mortality in the United States, showed that death rates among a large population were 26 percent higher for people with low levels compared to those with high levels of vitamin D.

Doctors caution that most studies have been largely observational, and more rigorous evidence is needed. It is to be hoped that with such potential for multiple health benefits, at a relatively minimal cost, funds and resources will be forthcoming for such research, and that the government will quickly follow the academy's lead and reassess its overall recommendations.

The AAP now recommends that children get 400 units of vitamin D daily. Their last recommendation, in 2003, was for 200 units — the amount the government currently recommends for children and adults up to age 50; from age 51 to 70, the recommended amount is 400 units, and for adults over 71, 600 units. In order to meet the new recommendation, said the AAP, millions of children, including breast-fed infants and teens who drink little or no milk, will need to take vitamin D supplements.

The best source of vitamin D is sunlight, and it is also found in milk and other fortified foods, and in oily fish, such as tuna, sardines and mackerel. It is essential for absorbing calcium from food and building bones.

Since little investigational research has been undertaken, scientists have many unanswered questions about vitamin D — its impact on health and how best to increase vitamin D levels without unwanted side effects.

Dr. Mazur is in the preliminary stages of an investigational study on the differences between children with low levels and those with normal levels of vitamin D. She cited several possible causes for decreased levels of vitamin D: Children are watching more TV, playing video games and not playing outside as often, and when they do venture outdoors, it's often with sunblocks. Their diets have also become less healthy, and sodas have replaced milk in many cases.

Until more definitive answers are forthcoming, she recommends that parents make sure their kids have a healthy diet, get some sun and "by all means take a supplement — 400 units is not a lot, so there should be no bad effects."

That sounds like a modest investment that could yield valuable dividends. Only further research will prove just how valuable.

Marc Turnesa holds up the trophy celebrity host Justin Timberlake handed to him moments after winning the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open at TPC Summerlin on Sunday, October 19, 2008.

Management: Event on solid footing for next year Director says positive feedback strong

By STEVE CARP Las Vegas REVIEW-JOURNAL

* Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open - 2008

As play concluded Sunday at TPC Summerlin, it was all smiles from the management team of the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open.

Blessed with perfect weather all week, a golf course that was in immaculate shape and a solid field that put up low numbers, the tournament believes it is on solid footing for 2009 and beyond.

"The feedback from the players has been strong," tournament director Mark Gardner said. "Between the new format, the track, having Justin, everyone's happy with the new look."

Gardner said attendance was up between 10 and 20 percent, though final figures weren't available Sunday. But with more people on the grounds, Gardner said the tournament has something to build on for next year.

"I think all the pieces are there," he said. "We just have to fine-tune it. We want a full celebrity field next year, and now that we've had a year to work with Justin and his people, we believe we'll have a stronger field next year."

Gardner, chairman Gary Davis, Timberlake's staff and members of the Shriners will meet with PGA Tour officials next week to discuss the event and begin work on the 2009 tournament, which will remain in the Fall Series during mid-October.

"I'm anxious to see what next year brings," Gardner said Sunday.

Tournament winner Marc Turnesa• HERRON'S HOT HAND -- Lots of low scores were posted during Sunday's final round, and Tim Herron's 10-under-par 62 was the day's best and equaled the low round of the week shot Thursday by Zach Johnson and Marc Turnesa.

Herron, who finished with a 21-under 267 for the tournament, started the day 10 shots behind Turnesa. He took full advantage of the perfect conditions to shoot the second-best round of his career. He shot a 61 in 2003 at the Bob Hope Desert Classic.

"I just wanted to hang in there today," said Herron, who finished tied for sixth place and earned $142,475. "I knew there were a lot of birdies out there. (Sunday) I took advantage of some good breaks."

• PAINFUL DROP -- Ryan Moore's unbelievable finish at No. 18 Sunday, where he took a nine on the par-4 hole, not only hurt his pride, it put a big dent in his bank account.

Had Moore parred the hole, he would have earned $196,800 as part of a projected four-way tie for third that included Chad Campbell. But with his nine, Moore finished tied for 24th, and his paycheck was just $29,058.

• NO REPEAT -- Defending champion George McNeill didn't duplicate his winning effort from last year and finished tied for 15th place with a four-day total of 270. McNeill had his worst round of the tournament Sunday, finishing with a 3-under 69 after three consecutive rounds of 67.

Jim Furyk remains the only repeat winner in Las Vegas, having won in 1998 and 1999.

DENVER, Oct 20, 2008 Monigle Associates, a Denver-based agency that helps clients nationwide build and activate brands, was awarded a Platinum Award from Health Leaders Media in Chicago on Wednesday, October 15 for its national efforts on behalf of Shriners Hospitals for Children. The campaign, "Defy the Odds", won top honors in the Large Children's Hospital campaign category. A panel of judges chose the winners according to four criteria: overall quality and look of campaign, overall creativity of the campaign, how well the campaign conveyed its message and reached its intended audience, and how well the campaign met its intended marketing objectives.The "Defy the Odds" campaign is part of a broad branding and marketing initiative by Shriners Hospitals for Children -- the first in their 85-year history -- to reactivate their brand and increase awareness of their hospitals and their mission to provide pediatric specialty care at no charge.Monigle Associates worked closely with Shriners Hospitals for Children's Board of Directors, Board of Trustees, and employees over an 18-month period to develop a new identity for the health care system that accurately reflected the heritage and vision of the brand. The initiative, launched in October of 2007, included a logo, a visual design system, Monigle's Award Winning Brand Ambassadors(SM) employee engagement program, and national and regional advertising."We're thrilled to receive this honor. It's a great validation that Monigle Associates can not only develop a core brand for clients -- we can also activate that brand through advertising," says Rick Jacobs, Principal at Monigle Associates. "We strongly believe in the unique mission of Shriners Hospitals for Children and are very much inspired by the work they do. It's important that the public know their story and their dedication to providing the highest quality care at no charge."Shriners Hospitals for Children is a one-of-a-kind international health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research and outstanding teaching programs. Children up to age 18 with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment at no charge -- regardless of financial need.

Shriners to hand out free cotton candyThe Forum Published Monday, October 20, 2008

The El Zagal Shriners will be at West Acres mall in Fargo from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday handing out 1,000 bags of free cotton candy, along with information on the 22 Shriners children’s hospitals that provide free care for children with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate.

They will also display two of their newest mini-sprint cars designed and scaled to match the Outlaw sprint cars. The Shriners drive the cars in various parades in the region.

Monday, October 20, 2008

{photo caption: Members of the South Bay Folk Artists drop off hand painted treasure chest boxes to Shriners Hospitals for Children – Los Angeles}

Los Angeles, CA – October 13, 2008 – The South Bay Folk Artists, based in Redondo Beach, California, recently delivered fifty hand painted treasure chest boxes to the patients of Shriners Hospitals for Children in Los Angeles. According to Christine Ingram, editor of the group’s newsletter, the South Bay Folk Artists began meeting in 1983 and are affiliated with the Society of Decorative Painters. Folk art is often described as a wide range of objects that reflect craft traditions and traditional social values of local social groups. Chris was one of three members of the group that travelled from Redondo Beach to the hospital in Los Angeles to deliver the boxes. Anna Peirera, Manager of the hospital’s Child Life and Recreation Therapy Department stated, “Our patients loved the cartoon characters and the bright colors of the boxes.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

There is a special group of men in our community who are going to be disbanding at the end of December. They are unsung heroes in our community who have been instrumental in giving kids in Del Norte County a second opportunity to be a kid.

The Shriner's Club, specifically, Harold Frasier and Sam "K," have played a great role in accessing medical care for our county's kids. Mr. Frasier has orchestrated doctor's appointments and hospital stays for kids who are in need of orthopedic or burn care.

All of this has happened through our local Shriner's Club. As a family that has participated, our lives have been forever changed. Our son, Toby, is one of the many kids in the community who have been touched. He was born with a leg length discrepancy and a mild deformity in his left knee.

Doctors at Shriner's Hospital for Children in Sacramento have already begun the process of correcting his knee deformity. We anticipate next spring, that his left femur will be elongated. We are pressing on.

Thank you, again, Shriner's Club of Del Norte County, for making this happen. With grateful hearts we will never forget the blessing that we received from knowing you.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Auction will benefit Shriners HospitalPosted by Dianna Weston, Special to The Oregonian October 16, 2008 13:04PM

Mallard Lakes resident Cynthia Conner works for the Al Kader Shriners, and she wants her neighbors to know about the second annual auction to benefit the Portland Shriners Hospital for Children on Nov. 8.

The auction will be at the Shriners Center, 25100 S.W. Parkway, Wilsonville. The fun begins at 5:30 p.m. with a silent auction and continues with a buffet dinner at 7 p.m. followed by a live action at 8 p.m. The $50 per person tickets include admission, one specialty coupon, beverage coupon and buffet dinner. Visit www.alkadershriners.org to order your tickets.

The Key Northwest Parrot Head Association, "An Oasis for the Tropically Minded and Latitudinally Challenged," will be helping the Shriners to make the event a success.

It was all for the children when a special Shriners Hospitals for Children-themed race car was unveiled Sunday by NASCAR driver David Ragan during the 2008 season finale for the ARCA REMAX Series at Toledo Speedway.

"I couldn't think of a better way to tell the world about this amazing organization than to display their name on my helmet and car," Ragan said.

In addition, he wore the specially designed Shriners Hospitals for Children helmet that he first wore in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Kansas 400 on Sept. 28. After Sunday's race, Ragan autographed the helmet, and it will be auctioned on eBay from Dec. 15-21 to benefit the hospitals.

Also for sale soon will be a special edition - with only 2,500 made - die-cast car, modeled after the Shriners Hospitals race car and autographed by Ragan.

To bid on the helmet or purchase a die-cast car, go to Ragan's Web site, www.davidragan.com or the Shriners Hospitals Web site, www.shrinershospitals.org.

Joining in the fun during Sunday's race were Jerry Gantt of Texas, the imperial public relations committee chairman; Bernard Lemieux of Toledo, the past imperial potentate (president); and Carl Eakes, potentate (president) of Zenobia Shrine, the local chapter.

KFYR-TV and Paramount Builders need your help to raise money for children suffering from burns or ortheopaedic conditions.

Today was the groundbreaking for KFYR-TV`s 2009 Charity Home, expected to be completed by late Spring.

Then, tickets to tour the home will be sold for five dollars.

All of the money raised will go to the Shriners to benefit their children`s hospitals.

"We just think it`s a great thing, and the charity home is going to hopefully provide some very good money for a very good cause," says Dick Heidt, the generatl manager at KFYR-TV.

"It`s very important to our organization, and the Shriners Hospital for Children is a network of 22 hospitals throughout the United States, and I believe we have one hospital in Mexico," says Bob Wedberg, of Shriners Potentate.

Ellen DeGeneres, Jessica Biel and Luke Wilson were among the celebs putting in their time on the green for the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals For Children Celebrity Pro-Am golf tournament in Vegas on Wednesday. Wow, that's a mouthful! But it's all for charity, so that's good.

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE: Well, to be honest, this last year has been a really cool experience for me to learn more about the Shriners. I didn't know as much as I do now, obviously. They got involved with the tournament before I did.

In the process of basically pimping myself out to the PGA [TOUR], in the process of basically putting myself on a platter to the PGA [TOUR] we started talking about the Vegas tournament, and they started talking about how they would like to see a little more of Vegas at the tournament.

In the process of that, before we actually decided if we were going to do it or not, the Shriners got involved. So I started learning a little about them, and I met the ambassador. I Hope you get a chance to meet her. Her name is Katie. She's 18 or 19 years old, and first time I met her, I immediately got to see the effect of what the Shriners Hospitals do.

we were out at Rivera Golf Club in Los Angeles, and they brought Katie out. She's got a prosthesis. I think her left leg is a prosthesis. She played a whole round of golf with me.

I was just, you know, really moved, really inspired to see someone that young that obviously doesn't have the amenities that we have, and that it just didn't change anything about her, her life. That she's living her life exactly the way she wants to.

You know, when you see something like that, someone who doesn't have a choice, someone who is born less fortunate and see what the Shriners Hospitals is able to do for her. I got to see the immediate effect of that.

I started learning more about it, and it's a wonderful, wonderful organization. I think since I've been in the business, which it's kind of weird to say 10 to 12 years. I'm a seasoned vet (laughing.)

Being in the business this long, even in the group, in InSync and now moving forward in a solo career, I've always been involved with philanthropy, specifically for children.

So to me, when the Shriners Hospitals for Children got involved with the Vegas tournament, this all just became a no-brainer.

11:00 AM - Social 12:00 PM - Lunch1:00 PM- Grand Master's ReceptionShrine 50 Year Pin Presentations2:00 PM - French First Degree for all Masons (EA, FC, MM)Fashion Show for the Ladies and GuestsMusic by Noble Rush RobinsonTie and Jacket for men. Shriners please wear your fez.Cost is $15.00 per personPlease make checks payable to "AlMalaikah Shrine" and mailto the above address before November S, 200S.In order to have an accurate food count, there will be no sales at the door.Parking: $10.00 per carFor reservations call: 213-748-0173

Thursday, October 9, 2008

On Sunday, Oct. 12, David Ragan, our NASCAR friend, will drive a race car with a special Shriners Hospitals for Children paint scheme in the 2008 season finale for the ARCA RE/MAX Series. He will also wear a specially designed Shriners Hospitals for Children helmet, which he first wore in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Kansas 400 on Sept. 28. The race will be broadcast live at 2 p.m. EST on the SPEED channel. Please encourage Nobility to watch this race and to attend the event if they are in the area, and to encourage their families and friends to do the same.

Following the Oct. 12 race, David will autograph the Shriners Hospitals for Children helmet and put it up for auction on eBay from Dec.15-21 to benefit the health care system. The helmet will be delivered to the highest bidder by Christmas. Please encourage Nobility to keep checking our Web site, www.shrinershq.org, to learn how they can place a bid on the helmet.

A special edition diecast car, modeled after the Shriners Hospitals race car, will be available for purchase soon. David will personally autograph each car; only 2,500 will be sold. We are currently working out the details and will provide information on how to purchase this unique collector’s item on our Web site.

We are so grateful to David for his amazing display of support and so grateful to you for helping spread the word about his efforts. With your help, we’re able to maximize this relationship to its fullest potential. Your dedication and enthusiasm are greatly appreciated.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Shriners Hospitals for Children is sponsoring free pediatric screenings on Saturday in Modesto for orthopedic (related to bones, joints or muscles), spinal and burn deformities. Children 18 and younger will be evaluated for possible medical treatment � at no cost to their families � at the Shriners Hospital for Children in Sacramento.

The screening will run from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Memorial Medical Plaza, 1800 Coffee Road. No appointment is necessary. Parents should bring copies of their child�s medical records, Social Security number, birth certificate, dated immunization records and, if applicable, divorce decree and custody agreement. Children should wear bathing suits under their street clothes.

For more information, call Tom Bathe in Modesto, 538-2550; Charles Polston in Turlock, 667-0814; James Fonda in Oakdale, 847-4062; or Kevin Nelson on the West Side, 892-2998. To learn more about Shriners Hospitals for Children, visit www.shrinershospitals.org

China Disabled Performing Art Troupe Surprise Shriners Hospitals for Children – Los Angeles with a Donation to Help Send Patients to Summer Camp

By.Steve Brand, Los Angeles, CA – October 8, 2008 – Over 30 members of the world famous China Disabled People’s Performing Art Troupe recently gave an inspiring performance of music, dance and acrobatics for patients and family members of Shriners Hospitals for Children – Los Angeles. The group then surprised everyone with a $15,000 donation to help SHC-LA’s patients attend a week of summer camp at the Painted Turtle Camp for ill children in Lake Hughes, California. The China Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe (CDPPAT) was founded in 1987 in Beijing, China. There are 88 performers in the CDPPAT, which includes 55 performers with hearing impairments, 28 performers with visually impairments, and 5 performers with physical disabilities. The average age of performers is 18. They come from 25 provinces within China and their nationality is Han, Tibetan, Uigur, Yao, and Hui. Terry Cunningham, CEO / Administrator of the Los Angeles hospital enthused, “The staff and patients of SHC-LA wish to thank the members of the China Disable People’s Performing Troupe for their generous donation. Their moving performance certainly caught the attention of our patients and instilled within them a sense of hope for the future. Seeing their performance has given our patients renewed encouragement to work harder in achieving their goals once they leave the hospital.”

The troupe is currently on a tour throughout Southern California, most recently performing at the Crystal Cathedral in Orange County. Over the past 20 years they have traveled to more than 40 countries around the world. Their mission is to represent the beauty and humanity of the 600 million people with disabilities around the world.

As the presumptive President of WSCA I can assure you that everyone within ear shot has been informed as to when the WSA convention is being held. MAY 13-MAY17, 2009 in San Jose.

Every temple within the Western Shrine Association should have a banner displayed telling them when the event is going to take place.

Information regarding the clown competition and the WSA parade is on the WSA website (www.westernshrine.com) with a link to me.

The rooms for competition have been set and the parade route has been given approval. The WSA has been working hard to help the WSCA in every way. I have been included in all of the recent meetings and have found them to be forthcoming in a helpful way.

AS for the WSCA, As the result of the Executive Secretaries resignation, I called an executive meeting and appointed an interum Executive Secretary (Leonard Green) who is a past Executive Secretary. We have set up a WSCA meeting for May 14th at the hotel from 2pm-9pm and hope that all units will send a voting representative. The problems with the WSCA have been well documented and with everyones help we can fix the problem once and for all. Richard Hawkins has agreeded to run for Executive Secretary and with all our help he can make it work.

We still have many problems to overcome but as far as the WSCA competition is concerned it is planned and if we can get the clowns to come we will have a great event. Having 8 or 9 clowns attending as has happened before is not what we want. We need all the support you can muster.We do it for the Kids.Bobbie BooBoo Byers

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

We have lost a Great Mason, Shriner and Kader Klown. In case you have not been informed Max "Choo-Choo" Alf left us last evening. We will miss his great smile and willingness to always help others. Our sympathy goes out to his wife Juanita, Daughter and Family. Guess the big guy in the sky couldn't do without him any longer. Goodbye dear Friend. Punkin

The following is message received from his son-in-law Bob "Sgt. BoBo" Walliker PP.

Max was visited by the black camel and passed away about midnight this morning. He lasted through his birthday, Oct. 6th and was 88. Kathy and I have been with Juanita all night. There will be a memorial and Masonic service at Woodburn Christian Church this Saturday, Oct. 11 at 2 pm. The family requests remembrances to the Al Kader Shrine children's hospital transportation fund.

Heidi loves attending camps sponsored by Shriners Hospitals where she can enjoy activities like skiing and meet other kids who are amputees. “It’s been great to make friends who I can talk to and know they really understand me because they’ve been through the same thing," she said.

Volleyball. Whitewater rafting. Hiking. Hunting. All of these are activities that any Colorado teenager might enjoy. But when talking about a teenager who has lived without her right leg since she was 8 months old, participating in such activities takes on new meaning.

Heidi Duce has fibuler hemimelia. When she was born, her right leg was missing a fibula, ankle bone and three toes and was amputated. From infancy, she’s relied on prostheses to maintain her on-the-go lifestyle.

“I’m hard on my leg,” Heidi laughs.

At just 17 years old, she’s already been through 23 or 24 prosthetics, according to her last count. She knows this wouldn’t be possible without Shriners Hospitals for Children -- Salt Lake City, where she receives treatment.

“The people at Shriners Hospitals are just unbelievable,” she said. “I couldn’t even imagine a world without them they’ve always been such a huge part of my life.”

Heidi will soon begin her senior year of high school and works at her father’s service station in Ouray, Colo. “I’m learning to work on cars,” she says. She already changes the oil and services her own car. In her spare time, she’s out enjoying all that her home state has to offer... counting hunting with her father and hiking with friends among her many adventurous hobbies.

And while she has plenty of friends in her hometown to hang out with, Heidi cherishes the friends she’s made at the “un-limb-ited” camps hosted by Shriners Hospitals for Children. The camps are for children and teens that have disabilities and offer exciting white water rafting and skiing experiences.

“I live in a town of only about 700 people,” she explains. “There are no other teen amputees besides me. It’s been great to make friends who I can talk to and know they really understand me because they’ve been through the same thing.”

The caring and support Heidi has received from Shriners Hospitals is helping to shape her future. She wants to be a nurse, and eventually, a prosthetist.

“Everyone at Shriners Hospitals for Children is so passionate about what they do it’s really cool,” Heidi says. “They’ve given so much to me, and I want to give something back."

George Ruhberg, center, has committed $1 million to the Portland Shriners Hospital. "I'm doing it for the kids," he says.

“I like doing a favor,” he says simply. “I’m doing it for the kids.”

George T. Ruhberg may be the king of understatement. His “favor” is an incredible one. Mr. Ruhberg recently committed $1 million to the Portland Shriners Hospital in his will.

A long time volunteer at the Portland Hospital, Mr. Ruhberg is deeply involved in the community. As a Mason, member of the Scottish Rite and a Shriner, service is an integral part of his life. In addition to volunteering at Shriners Hospitals, he’s also volunteered with Meals on Wheels, taught school children to read and currently lends his time to the local Veterans Hospital.

“I’m a Mason, and I believe in charity,” says Mr. Ruhberg. “I practice the code of Masonry, and I like to help people.”

Mr. Ruhberg’s call to serve also influenced his career choices. He served his country as a Marine for 26 years. After his time with the Marine Corps, he was employed as an accountant and often prepared taxes free of charge for those in need.

When asked why he devotes his time to the Portland Shriners Hospital, he jokes that he “got tired of playing golf.” The staff at the hospital are glad he put down his 9-iron to join their ranks as a hospital guide. Colleagues say Mr. Ruhberg is always smiling and in great spirits -- a perfect ambassador for the hospital.

“I make people feel comfortable, show them around and let then know what the hospital can offer them and their families," he explains. "Shriners Hospitals for Children is a fine organization.”

Mr. Ruhberg is especially proud of how fiscally responsible Shriners Hospitals for Children is with the donations they receive. It’s a fact he’s happy to share with those he shows around the hospital and those who commend him on his incredibly generous gift.

“Ninety percent of all donations go to the hospital and the children,” he says. “Every bit makes a difference.”

Monday, October 6, 2008

Bruce Rick has been named executive director of Square & Compass Children's Clinic, 2600 N. Wyatt Drive.Rick holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Purdue University. He has an extensive background in computer systems operations and has directed computer operations for both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. He now represents the Tucson Sabbar Shriners on the board of governors of the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Los Angeles.The Square & Compass Children's Clinic of Tucson helps special needs children with care in more than 25 medical specialties.

Friday, October 3, 2008

5 1/2 year old Rebecca; a patient at the Shriners Hospitals for Children, designs the t-shirt for a local car show. After seeing the drawing that Rebecca drew, there was no question! That little [Red Heart], rough around the edges, said it all. That is a simple "Red Heart" to which Rebecca, told her mother, "My hearts a little tattered...But the Shriners can fix it like they do the kids that go to their hospitals".

The "Red Heart" design is going to be used for a fundraising project to help the Shriners Hospitals for Children and The Morgan Nick Foundation. Rebecca's response when she was told that Charleys Customs of Alma Ark. decided to use it in their car show/poker run for both charities on October 25th in Alma. "I get to help the children that need help, like me!." She will be the honored guest at the car show, with plans to autograph the t-shirts during the event, health permitting. Rebecca suffered an allergic reaction to her second round of immunization shots. Rebecca has problems from the chest down, and has had numerous surgeries. She recently has been fitted with crutches All of her medical bills, have been covered by the Shriners Hospitals for Children in St Louis Mo.. All proceeds from the car show will be divided equally between the Shriners Hospitals for Children and the Morgan NIck foundation.

The BIG Event!

* Become a part of history. This fall, plan to attend the CHARLEYS CUSTOMS, First Annual, Car Show and Hwy 23\71 Poker Run \Cruise.

This will be our First Ever charity event to help children. A car show followed bya Scenic cruise, viewing the beautiful fall foliage of Hwy 23. Highway 23 hasbeen ranked as one of the top ten, most fun roads to drive in the United States.From Ozark, Ar., to Fayetteville, AR.. Then back down Scenic Hwy 71 to theshop. A FUN packed day for every one. Car Show, Cruise, Poker Run, and aKids Fishing Contest. All to Help Children's Charities. Oct.25th, 2008. We want to make this a yearly family oriented event.

The Shriner's Shirt We had a coloring contest at the Shriner's Hospital for Children, and five year old Rebecca won.Rebecca had an allergic reaction to her second round of immunization shots when she was two years old. As a result, she has had numerous health issues including the ability to walk. With the help of the Shriner's Hospital for Children, Rebecca is in walkers and getting better!

You can help Children like Rebecca with the purchase of this shirt! Shirt Price is only $15.00 !! Sizes available: S,M,L,XL 2XL and larger, call for pricing. www.charlyscustoms.com

WINGS FOR SHRINERS BENEFIT CONCERT for the new hospital building fund, with no-host food and cocktails, and local entertainers such as Brother Noland, Summer and Powerhouse, 4:30-9 p.m. Oct. 10, Aloha Tower Marketplace; $25 at the door.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

A LEADING LADY—Singer Terri Nunn said she loves living in Agoura Hills with her family. Nunn will serve as Grand Marshal at the annual Reyes Adobe Days Parade.The city of Agoura Hills has announced that the Grand Marshal for the fourth annual Reyes Adobe Days Parade is local resident Terri Nunn, lead singer of the band Berlin. She has been an Agoura Hills resident for seven years.

"I love Agoura Hills," said Nunn, who lives with her husband, Paul Spear, a family law attorney, and their three children. "My children can play in the outdoors every day. Agoura Hills is close enough to Los Angeles for work and cultural diversity yet far enough away to find peace, natural beauty and a parking space."

The parade will feature circus-style entertainment, floats, antique autos, bands and drill teams, equestrians, clubs and organizations. Entrants will be judged for awards.

The one-mile procession will travel along Thousand Oaks Blvd. and end at the Reyes Adobe Historical Site, 5464 Reyes Adobe Road, to kick off Reyes Adobe Days at the Adobe from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature cultural family activities, demonstrations, music, museum tours and a fine art gallery.

For information on all events during the three-day weekend, call (818) 597-7361 or visit www.ci.agoura-hills.ca.us.